Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who is currently in the midst of the latter stages of his career, knows the sun is about to set on what will be a Hall of Fame tenure with the only franchise he has called home.
Much like New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who is calling it quits following the 2014 season, Kobe is likely only going to play for one team throughout an extensive career that could near two decades when he finally retires.
Unlike Jeter, the Lakers guard doesn’t want to be treated any differently than he was throughout his entire career when he does decide to hang up his cleats (via Sports Illustrated).
If you booed me for 18, 19 years, boo me for the 20th. That’s the game, man.
Fortunately for Kobe, that’s unlikely to happen. He’s nowhere near as well liked as the great Yankee shortstop. Off-court issues earlier in his career coupled with the fact that he’s playing for a team that a majority of average NBA fans don’t like, indicates that Bryant will be the same individual that has been somewhat of an enigma since he entered the NBA as a teenager back in 1996.
Bryant, who is coming off a second consecutive injury-plagued campaign, will be suiting up for his 18th season as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014-2015.
Photo: USA Today